Illuminated indicia

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an illuminated indicia ( 4 ) formed from a material capable of absorbing light and transmitting light to an exposed edge. The material is preferably a fluorescent plastic material such as fluorescent acrylic sheets or molded members. The indicia ( 4 ) has a light absorbing section and a display section. The light absorbing section is exposed to a light source and the absorbed light is transmitted to the exposed edge ( 18 ) of the display section. The thickness of the exposed edge ( 18 ) of the display section is less than the length of the light absorbing section. Under typical indoor and outdoor lighting conditions, a constant passive illumination is created by the exposed edge of the display section. In a preferred embodiment the indicia is formed from material containing a light stimulating agent or additive. When the intensity of the light is sufficient, a halo effect may be achieved at the exposed edge.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to devices to create illuminated indicia withdistinctive illumination aesthetics of the indicia. The presentinvention has particular application to illuminated signs.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Traditionally illuminated indicia have been created by various means,including neon signs or remote lighting such as flood lighting or bybacklighting.

There are several problems with neon signs. They can break down withpartial failure while power is still on. You must use external coloringon the tube to achieve different colors in one system. They are notpractical for small indicia. With the power source switched off, neonsigns are virtually indecipherable. With neon signs, sharp corners onthe indicia cannot be made. Neon signs are either “on” or “off”.

Similar problems exist with both remote lighting, floodlighting andbacklit signs.

Other methods of displaying lighted indicia include the use ofluminescent materials, whether fluorescent or phosphorescent, however anultra-violet light source is required.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,711,044 and 4,767,477 describe a “neon look” lightingcomprising a base panel made of a material that does not absorbultraviolet light. A design is etched into a surface of the panel and aribbon of liquid polyester film having fluorescent ultraviolet lightpigments mixed therein is applied to the etched area. The panel is themounted in a display area and backlit with an ultraviolet light source.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,232,388 describes signage that produces a visual effectof a glow by backlighting an image on a display panel.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,375,177 describes a method of decorating surfaces withluminescent materials. U.S. Pat. No. 5,162,160 provides a fluorescentscreen made of light scattering material. U.S. Pat. No. 4,949,489describes an edge-lit image display.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,536,558 describes a display constructed from fluorescentplastic sheet material to provide an ambient light capturing andintensifying light conduit. A substantially opaque reflective layer isformed on one side of the light conduit. A decorative layer is formedover the reflective layer and is selected to provide a desired signdecor. Grooves are formed in the light conduit through the reflectivedecorative coating in the pattern of the selected display. The groovesare formed to a depth to intercept light captured in the light conduit.The grooves provide angled surfaces that refract, capture and illuminatelight out of the light conduit. Some light refracted out of the lightconduit at the angled surfaces illuminates the selected grooves of thedisplay. Grooves formed in the light conduit are of a shape to providerefraction of captured concentrated light within the light conduit andpreferably substantially semicircular cross section to better simulatethe effect of neon.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,009,019 describes a sign plate for an illuminated sign.The illuminated sign has an ultra-violet light source and the sign plateincludes an opaque layer on one of its faces which layer is broken byzones corresponding to a configuration of text or figures to becommunicated. The zones are covered with fluorescent material, and thesurface of the fluorescent material facing the viewer and opposite thelight source is covered with a light reflective layer.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,891,896 describes a simulated neon sign using pigmentedcoating applied to non-projecting regions on a sign panel to simulatethe halo effect of a neon light.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,377,750 describes a passive display device that entrapslight and emits light through reflectively coated notches, grooves orpigment layers on the surface of the display.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide devices to createilluminated indicia formed from a material capable of absorbing lightand transmitting it to an exposed edge.

It is a further object of the invention to provide devices to createilluminated indicia using passive illumination from artificial light ornatural light.

It is a further object of the invention to provide devices to createilluminated indicia formed from a material containing a lightstimulating agent or additive and capable of absorbing light andtransmitting it to an exposed edge to form a halo effect and distinctiveaesthetics of the indicia at the exposed edge.

Thus in accordance with the present invention there is provided anilluminated indicia formed from a material capable of absorbing lightand transmitting light to an exposed edge. The material is preferably afluorescent plastic material such as fluorescent acrylic sheets ormolded members. The indicia has a light absorbing section and a displaysection. The light absorbing section is exposed to a light source andthe absorbed light is transmitted to the exposed edge of the displaysection. The thickness of the exposed edge of the display section isless than the length of the light absorbing section. Under typicalindoor and outdoor lighting conditions, a constant passive illuminationis created by the exposed edge of the display section. In a preferredembodiment the indicia is formed from material containing a lightstimulating agent or additive. When the intensity of the light issufficient, a halo effect may be achieved at the exposed edge.

Further features of the invention will be described or will becomeapparent in the course of the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, thepreferred embodiment thereof will now be described in detail by way ofexample, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of illuminated indiciaaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view of the illuminated indicia of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the illuminated indicia of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a cross section along line 2-2 of the illuminated indicia ofFIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of illuminatedindicia according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross section along line 6-6 of the illuminated indicia ofFIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of illuminatedindicia according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross section along line 8-8 of the illuminated indicia ofFIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of illuminatedindicia according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a cross section along line 10-10 of the illuminated indiciaof FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment ofilluminated indicia according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of illuminatedindicia according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, one embodiment of a device to createilluminated indicia according to the present invention is generallyindicated at 1. The device comprises a light source 3 and indicia 4. Theindicia 4 has a first section (light absorbing section) 16 exposed tothe light source 3, a second section (display section) 17 that has anexposed remote edge 18 that forms the indicia being illuminated. Theembodiment also includes means to focus the light from light source 3 onthe first section 16 of the indicia so that the first section 16 absorbslight from light source 3 and transmits the light to the exposed remoteedge 18 providing an illuminated indicia. In the embodiment illustratedin FIGS. 1 to 4 the means to focus the light is a chamber 2. The chamber2, in the embodiment illustrated, is a rectangular box 5 having front 6,back 7, top 8, bottom 9 and opposite side 10, 11 panels. The front panel6 is preferably made of an opaque material preferably with a reflectiveinternal surface 12. When the front panel is opaque, its externalsurface may be selected to provide a background that contrasts with theindicia 4 so that it is more visible. The preferred material for frontpanel 6 is acrylic mirror. Other possible materials include stainlesssteel, chrome plated plastics such as ABS or chrome plated aluminum etc.The side panels 10, 11 are preferably made from an opaque plasticpreferably with reflective internal surface 14 or any other materialwith similar qualities. The back panel 7, top panel 8 and bottom panel 9are similarly made from an opaque plastic preferably with reflectiveinternal surfaces or any other material with similar qualities.

The light source 3 in the embodiment shown comprises a full spectrumfluorescent light preferably with a UV protective shield. Otherpotential light sources include incandescent lamps preferably with UVprotective shield, halogen lamps preferably with UV protective shield orany other visible light source. Alternatively the UV protective shieldcan be provided as a separate component such as a film around the lightabsorbing section of the indicia or eliminated altogether. Protectingthe indicia from UV light extends the life of the indicia.

The indicia 4 in the embodiment shown represents the number one and ismade from a material having the quality of absorbing light andtransmitting the light (or a substantial portion thereof) to the remoteexposed edge. In addition, in order to obtain a halo effect at theexposed edge 18, the indicia is formed from a material containing alight stimulating agent or additive. The light stimulating agent oradditive is selected from the group consisting of fluorescent pigments,phosphorescent pigments and ultraviolet pigments In this embodiment theindicia is made from a flat sheet 15 of an fluorescent acrylicpreferably Acrilite GPFL™ or Acrilite GP™ exotic edge color sheet,preferably the latter. While in the present embodiment, the indicia isformed from flat sheet 15 it can be virtually any shape provided thelight can be absorbed and transmitted in a straight line to the exposededge 18. The indicia can be formed from pieces of flat sheet 15 ormolded to form the desired shape. In addition the individual indicia ina display can be made of different colored materials or multi coloredmaterial and multi parts, inserted at angles etc to create differentvisual effects. The flat sheet 15 is inserted into and through the frontpanel 6 of chamber 2. A first section 16 of flat sheet 15 projects intochamber 2 and absorbs light from light source 3 to form the lightabsorbing section. A second section 17 of flat sheet 15 that isprojecting out of front panel 6 has an exposed remote edge 18 that formsthe indicia being illuminated. Light is absorbed by the first section 16and transmits the light to the exposed remote edge 18 providing anilluminated indicia. The thickness of the exposed remote edge 18 is lessthan the length or width of the light absorbing section 16. Theilluminated indicia in this case is the numeral one and the illuminationhas a halo effect. The halo effect is enhanced, as front panel 6 isopaque. The brightness and transparency of the illumination will changewith the intensity of the light source and the thickness of the exposededge of the indicia where the light is projected.

In the embodiment shown the light source 3 is two compact fluorescenttubes with 5 watt power which together produces 230 lumens. A UVprotective shield 19 is provided around the light absorbing section 16of indicia 4. The rectangular box 5 is nominally 3.5 inches wide, 3.5inches deep and 5.5 inches high. The total length of the indicia is 3.5inches high, 3.5 inches deep or long and it is ⅛ inch thick.Approximately 2 ½ inches is located inside the box and about ⅞ inch isexposed outside the box. The surface of the first section 16 of theindicia inside the box (light absorbing section) is about 8.75 squareinches. While nominal dimensions and shape are indicated for theembodiment illustrated, the present invention is not dependent on anyparticular size or shape of indicia.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show a second embodiment of a device 21 to create anilluminated indicia according to the present invention using surroundingnatural or artificial light. The device comprises a chamber 22 andindicia 24. The chamber 22, in the embodiment illustrated, is arectangular box 25 having front 26, back 27, top 28, bottom 29 andopposite side 30, 31 panels. The front panel 26 and back panel 27 aremade of a clear transparent material. The preferred material istransparent acrylic sheet with high transmitting properties. Otheroptions include clear glass, clear polystyrene, clear polycarbonate orpolyvinyl chloride. The front and back panels 26, 27 can be eliminatedif the indicia 24 can be suspended in a stable position within chamber22 for example with wires or the like. The side panels 30, 31 areoptionally made from a material preferably with reflective internalsurface 34 or any other material with similar qualities. The top panel28 and bottom panel 29 are similarly made from an opaque materialpreferably with reflective internal surfaces or any other material withsimilar qualities. Suitable materials for the top, bottom and sidepanels 28, 29, 30, 31 are acrylic mirror, stainless steel, chrome-platedplastics such as ABS or chrome plated aluminum etc

The light source in the embodiment shown comprises light from thesurrounding environment or alternatively can be provided by an externalspot light such as a halogen lamp preferably with UV protective shield,incandescent lamps preferably with UV protective shield, or any othervisible light source preferably with a UV protective shield.

The indicia 24 in the embodiment shown represents the letters F and Land is made from a material having the quality of absorbing light andprojecting the light (or a substantial portion thereof) to the remoteexposed edge. In this embodiment the indicia is made from flat sheets 35of a fluorescent acrylic preferably Acrilite GPFL™ or Acrilite GP™exotic edge color sheet, preferably the latter. The flat sheets 35 areinserted into and through the front panel 26 of chamber 22. A firstsection 36 of flat sheets 35 that are projecting out of front panel 26have exposed remote edges 37 that form the indicia being illuminated.The second section 38 of flat sheets 35 project into chamber 22 andabsorbs light from the environment and transmits the light to theexposed remote edges 37 providing an illuminated indicia. The light,either artificial or natural, enters from the front or back of thechamber. The available light in the chamber is absorbed by the surfaceof the indicia within the chamber. The greater the surface area, thegreater amount of light is absorbed and consequently transmitted to theexposed edge. The proportion of the surface area of the light absorbingsection 38 to that of the exposed edge 37 is important to creating thecontrast from a passive light to a halo effect. The surface area of theexposed remote edge 37 is smaller than the surface area of the lightabsorbing section 38. This is typically accomplished by the thickness ofthe exposed edge 37 being smaller than the length or width of theindicia 24. Under typical indoor and outdoor lighting conditions, aconstant passive illumination is created by the exposed edge 37 of thedisplay section 36. When the intensity of the light is increasedsufficiently, a halo effect may be achieved. As an option (not shown) indaylight, by applying reflective tape on the edges 39 of the sheets 35,other than the exposed edge 37 forming the indicia, the light isre-directed to the remote edge 37 with no tape and there is an increasein illumination.

Referring to FIGS. 7 to 8, a third embodiment of a device to create anilluminated indicia according to the present invention is generallyindicated at 61. In this embodiment the indicia is illuminated by lightfrom the front of the indicia. The device consists of a chamber 62 andindicia 64. The chamber 62, in the embodiment illustrated, is arectangular box 65 having front 66, back 67, top 68, bottom 69 andopposite side 70, 71 panels. The front panel 66 is made of anytransparent material. The preferred material is transparent acrylicsheet with high transmitting properties. Other options include clearglass, clear polystyrene, clear polycarbonate or polyvinyl chloride. Theback panel 67 is preferably is made from an opaque material preferablywith a reflective internal surface 72 or any other material with similarqualities. Suitable materials for the back panel 67 are acrylic mirror,stainless steel, chrome-plated plastics such as ABS or chrome platedaluminum etc. The side panels 70, 71 are preferably made from anymaterial that provide support for the device. The top panel 68 andbottom panel 69 are similarly made from any material that will providesupport for the device.

As shown in FIG. 8, within chamber 62 are reflective panels 73, 74. Inthe embodiment shown the reflective panels 73 and 74 are made from aacrylic mirror, stainless steel, chrome plated plastics such as ABS orchrome plated aluminum etc. Panels 73 and 74 are arranged at 45° anglefrom the front panel 66 to direct light entering the chamber to indicia64. In the preferred embodiment, but not shown in the drawing,additional reflective panels can be provided above and below indicia 64to assist in directing light to the indicia.

The light source in the embodiment shown comprises light from theenvironment from the front of the chamber 62. Any “visible light” sourceeither natural or artificial, in this case the preferred light source isdaylight. An external spot light such as a halogen lamp preferably withUV protective shield, incandescent lamps preferably with UV protectiveshield, or any other visible light source preferably with a UVprotective shield directed toward the front transparent panel can beused.

The indicia 64 in the embodiment shown represents the number seven andis made from a material having the quality of absorbing light andprojecting the light (or a substantial portion thereof) to the remoteexposed edge. In this embodiment the indicia is made from flat sheets 75of a fluorescent acrylic preferably Acrilite GPFL™ or Acrilite GP™exotic edge color sheet, preferably the latter. The flat sheets 75 areinserted into and through the front panel 66 of chamber 62. A firstsection 76 of flat sheets 75 that is projecting out of front panel 66has an exposed remote edge 77 that forms the indicia being illuminated.The second section 78 of flat sheet 75 projects into chamber 62 andabsorbs light from light directed from reflective panels 72, 73, 74 andtransmits the light to the exposed remote edge 77 providing anilluminated indicia.

On the external surface 79 of front panel 66 and surrounding indicia 64is an open enclosure 80 having top 81, bottom 82, back 83 and oppositesides 84, 85. The top 81, bottom 82, back 83 and opposite sides 84, 85of enclosure 80 are made of any opaque material. Top 81, bottom 82, back83 and opposite sides 84,85 are made of a dark opaque material such asABS, PET or PVC. The open enclosure 80 creates a high contrast betweenthe background of the enclosure 80 and the illuminated indicia.64. Thedistinctive aesthetic effects vary from a passive illumination to a haloeffect indicia.

Referring to FIGS. 9 to 10, another embodiment of a device to create anilluminated indicia according to the present invention is generallyindicated at 101. The device comprises a chamber 102 and indicia 104.The chamber 102, in the embodiment illustrated, is a rectangular box 105having front 106, back 107, top 108, bottom 109 and opposite side 110,111 panels. The front panel 106 is made of an opaque material preferablywith reflective internal surface 112. The preferred materials for frontpanel 106 are acrylic mirror, stainless steel, chrome-plated plasticssuch as ABS or chrome plated aluminum etc. The back panel 107 ispreferably made of a transparent material. The side panels 110, 111 arepreferably made from a transparent material. The preferred material istransparent acrylic sheet with high transmitting properties. Otheroptions include clear glass, clear polystyrene, clear polycarbonate orpolyvinyl chloride. A portion 114 of side panels 110, 111 adjacent frontpanel 106 is adapted to provide a reflective internal surface 115. Inthe embodiment shown the reflective surface 115 is obtained by attachingsheets 116 made of reflective material such as acrylic mirror, stainlesssteel, chrome plated plastics such as ABS or chrome plated aluminum etc.The top panel 108 and bottom panel 109 are similarly made from atransparent material. The preferred material is transparent acrylicsheet with high transmitting properties. Other options include clearglass, clear polystyrene, clear polycarbonate or polyvinyl chloride. Aportion of the top and bottom panels 108, 109 adjacent front panel 106may be adapted to provide a reflective internal surface.

The light source in the embodiment shown comprises surrounding lightfrom the environment. Any “visible light” source either natural orartificial, in this case the preferred light source is daylight. Anexternal spot light such as a halogen lamp preferably with UV protectiveshield, incandescent lamps preferably with UV protective shield, or anyother visible light source preferably with a UV protective shielddirected toward the front transparent panel can be used.

The indicia 104 in the embodiment shown represents the number seven andis made from a material having the quality of absorbing light andprojecting the light (or a substantial portion thereof) to the remoteexposed edge. In this embodiment the indicia is made from a sheet 125 ofa fluorescent acrylic preferably Acrilite GPFL™ or Acrilite GP™ exoticedge color sheet, preferably the latter. The sheet 125 is inserted intoand through the front panel 106 of chamber 102. A first section 126 ofsheet 125 that is projecting out of front panel 106 has an exposedremote edge 127 that forms the indicia being illuminated. The secondsection 128 of sheet 125 projects into the rear 129 of chamber 102 andabsorbs light and transmits the light to the exposed remote edge 127providing an illuminated indicia. The illuminated indicia in this caseis the numeral seven and the illumination varies from passiveillumination to a halo effect depending on the intensity of the lightsource.

In FIG. 11 another embodiment of a device to create an illuminatedindicia according to the present invention is generally indicated at131. The device comprises a light source 132, indicia support member 133and indicia 134. The light source 132, in the embodiment illustrated, isa rectangular box 135 having front 136, back 137, top 138, bottom 139and opposite side 140, 141 panels. The front 136, back 137, top 138,bottom 139 and opposite side 140, 141 panels are preferably made of anopaque material preferably with reflective internal surface. A lightsuch as a halogen lamp preferably with UV protective shield,incandescent lamp preferably with UV protective shield, or any othervisible light source preferably with a UV protective shield is locatedwithin the box 135. The preferred materials for front 136, back 137, top138, bottom 139 and opposite side 140, 141 panels of box 135 are acrylicmirror, stainless steel, chrome-plated plastics such as ABS or chromeplated aluminum etc. Indicia support member 133, in the embodimentillustrated is a rectangular sheet or panel made from a material havingthe quality of absorbing light and projecting the light (or asubstantial portion thereof) to the remote exposed edge. The preferredmaterial is transparent acrylic sheet with high transmitting propertieswith or without fluorescent additives. Other options are Acrilite GPFL™or Acrilite GP™ Exotic edge color sheets. A portion of indicia supportmember 133, is adapted to be inserted into the box 135.

The indicia 134 in the embodiment shown represents the letters thatspell the word “INDICIA” and is made from a material having the qualityof absorbing light and projecting the light (or a substantial portionthereof) to the remote exposed edge. In the embodiment shown, indiciasupport member 133 is a panel formed from a sheet of ½″ thick clearacrylic. In this embodiment the indicia 134 is made from a pieces 145 ofa fluorescent acrylic, preferably Acrilite GPFL™ or Acrilite GP™ exoticedge color sheet, preferably the latter, to form the individual lettersof the word “INDICIA”. The letters 145 are inserted into slots 146 inpanel 133. Slots 146 are sized and shaped to match the size and shape ofthe letters 145 making up indicia 134. A first section 147 of letters145 projects out of panel 133 and has an exposed remote edge 148 thatforms the indicia being illuminated. The second section of letters 145(not visible) projects into the slots 146 in panel 133. Light absorbedby the panel 133 is directed to its edges, including the edges aroundthe slot(s) 146 through which the letters 145 are inserted. The light isthen absorbed by indicia 134 and transmitted to the exposed remote edge148 providing an illuminated indicia In order to prevent illumination atthe outer edges 150 of the panel 133 and to redirect light to theindicia, it is preferred that the outer edges of panel 133 be covered byreflective tape or some similar material.

In FIG. 12, a variation of the light box of FIG. 11 is illustrated. Inthis embodiment the light source 132 is a box 135′ that is relativelysmall and only a small portion of panel 133 is inserted into the box135′. This results in brighter illumination. It is possible to eliminatethe box 135′ entirely and rely solely on panel 133 to absorb surroundinglight The illumination is enhanced if reflective tape or some similarmaterial is provided on the exposed edges of panel 133. If additionalindicia are attached to indicia 134, light is absorbed by indicia 134and will be transmitted to the additional indicia which will absorb andtransmit the light to its exposed remote edge providing additionalilluminated indicia. In this way the light produced at the edge of theindicia, can be used as the light source for a different indicia and soon.

In the different embodiments illustrated the indicia is made of one ormore pieces of the same colour of material, which material has thequality of absorbing light and projecting the light (or a substantialportion thereof) to its exposed edges. If the indicia 4, in FIGS. 1 and2, is made of two different colored pieces of material having thequality of absorbing light and projecting the light (or a substantialportion thereof) to the remote exposed edge, a different illuminationeffect is obtained. One color (red as an example) forms the firstsection 16 that projects into the chamber 2 and a part of second section17 that is projecting out of front panel 6. The remaining portion of thesecond section 17 is formed from the second color (yellow as an example)along the exposed remote edge 18 that forms the indicia beingilluminated.

Where the yellow portion of indicia located outside the chamber and redportion of the indicia inside the box are equal or different sizes andlight is exposed to the red portion the following illumination results:

-   -   a—At the point where the two portions are connected the red        color is brighter and overcomes the yellow.    -   b—Where the red and yellow portions are the same size, if the        red colored portion is exposed to intense light, even when the        box is eliminated, and the light source is located closer to the        red portion, the edge of the yellow portion will be illuminated        in an orange color.    -   c—The main surface of the yellow portion which is located        outside the box will not change in color.

Where the red and yellow portions have different sizes, when the lightis “off”, at the point where they are connected the color with thelarger size looks brighter. This result is achieved because the largercolor portion acts as the light collecting device for the smallercolored portion. If their sizes are equal the colors at the point wherethey are connected are unchanged assuming the two pieces have the samesaturation in color and transparency.

Based on these different results several different effects can beachieved.

-   First: Referring to the above example, it is possible to achieve a    color illumination at the edge of the indicia that differs from the    main body. In this case orange illumination at the edge where the    main body remains yellow, which is a great effect.-   Second: If we change the yellow color in the example above with    clear colored piece of equal or different size to the red portion,    when the light is on red illumination will occur at the edge of the    clear portion and when the light is interrupted (off) the clear    portion becomes invisible.-   Third: If the light chamber is eliminated and the red color is    proportionally longer than the yellow color, using the surrounding    or environment light will produce orange illumination at the edge of    the yellow colored portion. The red colored portion performs as a    device to collect the light from the environment and the yellow    portion performs as indicia for the illumination.-   Fourth: If the red portion is located in a similar colored    environment, such as a bottle of red transparent liquid, the red    portion acts as the light collecting device and is invisible.

While the examples referred to use two different colors of material, theindicia can be made from more than two colors to achieve a wide varietyof illumination effects.

The present invention has a wide variety of applications from: logos,buttons in electronic instruments, house numbers, displays, exhibits,indoor and out door signs where sufficient lighting is provided or anyother indoor and outdoor visual effect device or architectural use.Having illustrated and described preferred embodiments of the inventionand certain possible modifications thereto, it should be apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art that the invention permits of furthermodification in arrangement and detail. All such modifications arecovered by the scope of the invention.

1. An illuminated indicia formed from a material capable of absorbinglight and transmitting light to an exposed edge, said indicia has alight absorbing section and a display section, said light absorbingsection is exposed to a light source and the absorbed light istransmitted to the exposed edge of the display section of said indiciawherein the thickness of the exposed edge is smaller than the length orwidth of the indicia.
 2. An illuminated indicia according to claim 1wherein under indoor and outdoor lighting conditions, a constant passiveillumination is created by the exposed edge of the display section. 3.An illuminated indicia according to claim 1 wherein the intensity of thelight causes a halo effect is achieved at the exposed edge of thedisplay section.
 4. A device to create an illuminated indicia comprisinga light source and an indicia said indicia has a first section exposedto the light source and a section with an exposed remote edge that formsthe indicia being illuminated and means to focus the light from saidlight source on the first section of the indicia so that the firstsection absorbs light from said light source and transmits the light tothe exposed remote edge providing an illuminated indicia.
 5. A device tocreate an illuminated indicia according to claim 4 wherein the means tofocus the light is a chamber.
 6. A device to create an illuminatedindicia according to claim 5 wherein the chamber has front, back, top,bottom and opposite side panels, wherein said front, back, top, bottomand side panels are made of an opaque material with a reflectiveinternal surface and said light source is provided in said lightchamber.
 7. A device to create an illuminated indicia according to claim5 wherein the chamber has front, back, top, bottom and opposite sidepanels, wherein said back, top, bottom and side panels are made of antransparent material, said front panel is made of an opaque material andsaid light source is from the surrounding environment.
 8. A device tocreate an illuminated indicia according to claim 5 wherein the chamberhas front, back, top, bottom and opposite side panels, wherein saidfront and back panels are made of a clear transparent material and saidtop, bottom and side panels are made of an opaque material with areflective internal surface and said light source is provided from thesurrounding environment.
 9. A device to create an illuminated indiciaaccording to claim 5 wherein the chamber has front, back, top, bottomand opposite side panels, wherein said front panel is made from atransparent material, said back panel is made of an opaque material witha reflective internal surface, wherein reflective panels are providedwithin said chamber at a 45 degree angle from the front panel to directlight entering from the front of the chamber to the indicia.
 10. Adevice to create an illuminated indicia according to claim 4 wherein themeans to focus the light from said light source is an indicia supportmember made from a material capable of absorbing light and transmittinglight to an exposed edge and wherein said indicia are inserted intoslots in said indicia support member, said slots shaped and sized tomatch the size and shape of the cross section of said indicia.
 11. Adevice to create an illuminated indicia according to claim 10 whereinthe light source is a box having front, back, top, bottom and oppositeside panels having a light located within said box and a portion ofindicia support member being adapted to be inserted into said box.
 12. Adevice to create an illuminated indicia according to claim 11 whereinthe front, back, top, bottom and opposite side panels of said box aremade of an opaque material with a reflective internal surface.
 13. Adevice to create an illuminated indicia according to claim 12 whereinsaid indicia support member is made of Acrilite GPFL™ or Acrilite GP™exotic edge color sheet.
 14. A device to create an illuminated indiciaaccording to claim 12 wherein an additional indicia made from a materialcapable of absorbing light and transmitting light to an exposed edge isinserted into slots in the indicia attached to said indicia supportmember, said slots shaped and sized to match the size and shape of thecross section of said additional indicia.
 15. A device to create anilluminated indicia according to claim 4 wherein said indicia are madefrom two or more different colors of a material capable of absorbinglight and transmitting light to an exposed edge.
 16. An illuminatedindicia formed from a material capable of absorbing light andtransmitting light to an exposed edge according to claim 1 wherein saidindicia is made from two or more different colors of a material and hasa light absorbing section and a display section.
 17. A device to createan illuminated indicia according to claim 13 wherein an additionalindicia made from a material capable of absorbing light and transmittinglight to an exposed edge is inserted into slots in the indicia attachedto said indicia support member, said slots shaped and sized to match thesize and shape of the cross section of said additional indicia.